Vadai Malai Offered to Hanuman or Anjaneyar

Vadai Malai is an important offering to Hanuman or
Anjaneyar in South India, especially in temples in Tamil Nadu. The story of Vadai
Malai offering to Hanuman is associated with Navgraha
Rahu.

Child Hanuman once thought Sun to be reddish fruit in the
sky and decided to grab it. Hanuman soon moved towards Sun at an unimaginable
speed. At the same time, Rahu Navgraha was also moving towards Sun to cause
eclipse.

But Rahu was easily defeated by Hanuman in the race towards
sun.

Rahu realized who Hanuman was and gave him the boon that
those who worshipped Hanuman with urad dal (black gram) will not face any
hardships in his/her horoscope due to the bad position of Rahu.

Rahu also explained to Hanuman how to prepare the Prasad
using Urad
dal. It should be like a snake – like the part of Rahu’s body.

Thus round Vadai is made into a garland and offered to
Hanuman.

Vadai Malai is offered to Hanuman to avoid the adverse
effect caused by planet Rahu in horoscope.

Vadai or Uzhunnu Vadai is served along with breakfast (idli
and dosa) and is a popular dish in South Indian breakfast.

The Vadai is prepared by mixing salt and black pepper. All
these are considered offering to Rahu.